The 1978 United States Senate election in Texas was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator John Tower narrowly won re-election to a fourth term. This is the closest that a Texas Democrat has come to defeating an incumbent Republican U.S. Senator.
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee John G. Tower, incumbent U.S. Senator since 1961
Declined Hank Grover, former State Senator (1967-1973) and candidate for Governor of Texas in 1972
Results
Democratic primary Candidates
Nominee Bob Krueger, U.S. Representative from New Braunfels since 1975
Eliminated in primary
Joe Christie, former State Senator from El Paso (1967–1973)
Campaign Krueger and Christie presented a choice between moderate institutionalism and consumer-focused populism; while Krueger emphasized his expertise in energy deregulation, Christie campaigned on utility reform and opposition to rising electricity rates.
Results
General election
Campaign Krueger held a narrow lead in the polls late in the race, although the race was considered to be a 'toss-up.' On the issues, Tower attacked Krueger for voting for a constitutional amendment that would have granted U.S. senators to the District of Columbia, while Krueger attacked Tower for being an ineffective representative and a drunk. As a result of the charge, Tower refused to shake Krueger's hand at a joint appearance.
Results Republicans celebrated the result in this election year as the 'best in a century' despite the narrow win. One analysis in The New York Times cites the growing urban middle-class voters in Houston who migrated from the Northeast as the reason for Tower being able to pull ahead and win.
See also 1978 United States Senate elections
References